The FMLA, or Family and Medical Leave Act, is a federal law that guarantees 12 workweeks of unpaid leave per year without any threat of job loss to certain employees. Employers covered by the law are also required by the FMLA to maintain the employee's benefits while they are on FMLA leave, just as if they were fulfilling their normal work schedule.

Do You Know Your FMLA Rights at Work?

• Did you know that 26% of US employees take FMLA leave to care for a new child?
• Did you know that 31% of US employees take FMLA leave to care for a seriously ill family member?
• Did you know that 52% of US employees take FMLA leave for a serious illness?

Workplace policies that allow employees opportunities to balance workplace responsibilities and personal obligations benefit the business as well as the employees and their families. Employees at companies with such policies in place receive a reliable, consistent income, [note: FMLA is unpaid leave, this sentence is misleading, maybe say “have options for income, such as vacation pay, sick pay, or short term disability benefits] and increased job security. Their family members receive the care they need. And businesses see significant reductions in employee turnover, which lowers both training and recruitment costs while improving staff productivity. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) states that all eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave each year for qualifying situations, like certain health conditions or family obligations. Employers are required to offer FMLA leave , and eligible employees are entitled to request and take FMLA free from retaliation for doing so.

The Family Leave and Medical Act has been a law for over 20 years, but there are still many employers who don't understand the requirements it sets down. Many workers still find themselves faced with retaliation when taking FMLA leave.

If you have questions about what qualifies as an eligible situation for FMLA leave or if you are experiencing retaliation in the workplace as a result of FMLA leave, please get in touch with one of the experienced Atlanta employment law attorneys at Barrett & Farahany.